Chapters The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
Curse you Frostus! Why do you ignore my pleas? My cries? I must understand my final objective… bestow me an answer!
Ice Breaker, in the middle of the night, on Wednesday, August third at a late one o’ clock AM, laid in a circle of ice in the library of Twilight’s castle, seemingly speaking to something through his mind.
My quest is almost finished, for I only have a single extra step to take before I can rise to be the Scourge of Winter, as you promised! I fulfilled all your deeds, all I need is the final piece! For will you not give me the final piece? Am I to be left struggling? Answer me!
A meager shimmering noise filled the room. A royal, deep voice sounded from in front of him. “As demanding as ever, my champion.”
“You finally answer my endless calls.”
“And the final call of which you will receive the message you seek. You seek the final step in your quest do you? To end your suffering and to finally ascend to your throne?”
“Yes.”
“Then listen closely young Ice Breaker. There are four thrones you must claim. Take them.”
“Who’s thrones?”
“Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadenza. Take her child if you so wish. You can engage them in any order necessary, just see to it that it is done.”
“What would killing them accomplish?”
“To be a powerful being means to topple your enemies no matter their influence or power. To be powerful means to have many enemies, yet in their combined efforts they cannot halt you. Prove to me once-and-for-all that your sacrifice was not in vain, and that you’re worthy of my power.”
“It will be done. Equestria run by mares no longer.”
“Good. Proceed, fulfill your destiny.” The shimmering ceased, the voice gone.
Now I know what must be done. Cadence is first, since she also has a daughter. I can knock two birds with one stone.
The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
Ice Breaker was trotting down the hall of the castle with saddlebags full of scrolls. The morning was in early bloom, the newborn rays piercing the stained windows at seven o’ clock.
“Hey Ice Breaker!” Derpibra called from a door adjacent to Breaker’s running direction. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Silence! I’ve little patience for your speaking to me.” He continued down that hall.
“Heh, as bitter as usual.” He shrugged and moved on to the bathroom.
“Foolish stallion always attempting to make conversation. When will he understand that I have no intention of speaking to him?”
He reached the outside of the keep and took a right to an abandoned shack. He used a bronze key to open it, shutting it behind him and locking it.
The shack itself was dingy and could’ve been left ill-maintained for a number of years, but it was a secretive location that could prove useful in this situation.
He laid out a vellum containing a highly detailed map of the interior of the Crystal Castle that he abducted from Twilight’s quarters.
A scouting mission is required here. If I am to kill to a princess and kidnap her child, I must do so with extreme temperament. One slip up and the fruits of my labor will be lost to me.
This is the general layout of the castle. Shining Armor will likely be strengthening the inner defenses of the castle to protect the newborn. I must find a way to infiltrate the area. Making sure no one knows who I am is key.
He looked over to spot the sleek hooded robes he made of reinforced cloth. On their sides were two bracers to serve as hoof guards, including boots. He equipped the robes and put on the hood that hid his face from flanked viewpoints. Next he equipped the bracers and used an invisible levitation spell to suddenly make a hidden blade spring from the leather before pushing it back. A swift, quiet death. As long as no one sees me, by the time she’s gone, I will be too. He threw on his boots and gave them some test steps ensuring that they were snug but comfortable. He returned to the vellum.
Cadence is always out in the open. But maybe there is a way to take care of her from a distance silently and without detection. He retrieved a throwing knife from under the table. This should do. He stowed it away in his scabbard. He then took up his map and put it in his saddlebags before putting the bags on the floor. He went out the door and locked it, then sealing it with a magical barrier. Time to claim my rightful place, one step at a time.
The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
Ice Breaker boarded the train to the Crystal Empire, and was due to be there within a couple of hours. He sat patiently and reviewed his plan.
Hm… if she is always out in the open, the best way to draw her alone would be to take her child. Once I do away with Cadence, I can keep the child. Then when she becomes older, I can marry her off and create family ties that will surely help me gain a foothold in Equestria. The only complication is actually finding out where she keeps her. Most likely in her bedroom I’d wager. But the castle is far too high to climb, and since I’m unable to fly without making myself noticeable… maybe there’s another way I can do this. Perhaps I can throw my knife when she least expects it? Hmph, I’ll have this all figured out by the time I get there.
---
At nine thirty o'clock, Ice Breaker left the train before it went to it’s next destination. Now, his hooves touched up the soil of the Crystal Empire. Might as well topple the biggest target first. Two princesses in one.
He advanced towards the castle, the towering spike of shined crystal shined in the daylight. The scene seemed all too happy considering what was going to happen. He put on his hood, then hid in a bush. He began to scope out the exterior.
Extra guards on duty. Their posts seem to be more populated than usual. I should be able to walk right on in though. The problem is getting to the restricted areas, like her bedroom.
He walked into the castle with no issues, and Cadence was sitting on her throne as usual, bearing her child. “Welcome to the castle! Are you new here?”
“I’m quite familiar with the place.” He said, hiding his scorn for the simple fact that she was a mare.
“I see. Well, enjoy your stay. This is a royal party you walked into! There’s plenty of food on the tables for you to enjoy. May I get your name?”
“El Partador de la Muerte.”
“Exotic name. Where were you born?”
“Trottingham.”
“Really? Well, I wouldn’t expect a name like that from there. Glad to meet you! I’ll just call you Muerte for short.”
“If you like.”
“Well, go socialize! I have some things to wrap up before I tend to the guests. Have fun!” Her baby tried to reach out to him before they left, presumably upstairs.
Thanks to my minor knowledge in spanish. Now, she’s going somewhere private. If I tail her, I might be able to find a less exposed area to kill her. And I got a spell for her kid that will keep her quiet.
With a swift movement of his cape, he disappeared and reappeared onto the scaffolding just below the ceiling. He took care to balance on the boards as he made his way to the other side of the room, a window just before him leading into the hallway that was to lead to a series of rooms, then the eventual staircase to lead upstairs. He carefully opened the stained glass window, taking caution to ensure nobody saw him. Once he entered the next room, he continued he sneaking on the scaffolding.
Cadence was happily making her way down the hallway, flanked by two guard captains, counting Shining Armor.
I should kill him too. He could threaten my royalty since he is married to Cadence.
Ice Breaker readied his throwing knife. He aimed for Cadence’s neck, and from behind, if thrown hard enough, could result in a near-instant death.
“Shining? Was it really necessary to tighten up security around here?” Cadence asked.
“Yeah. Equestria’s been getting dangerous lately. We gotta stay on top of things.”
“True.”
The second Shining Armor looked away, A knife was plunged through her neck. He struggled for air, but fell down to her knees, gripping her throat. Then, her breathing ceased.
“Cadence…? Cadence!!” When he looked up, he saw a hooded figure jump down from the scaffold, then pierced his neck with his hidden blade, killing him instantly. The captain drew his sword, but was killed immediately.
Ice Breaker grabbed the blade and the scabbard, thinking it to be useful later. He retrieved his knife, and looked over to see Flurry Heart crying in despair.
“In fact, she’s too young to threaten my royalty. Dead weight.” He smashed through the window and made his daring escape.
Quick and easy. By the time they notice they’re dead, I’ll be long gone.
He galloped to the train station to take him to Canterlot before word got around of his recent killings. If he tarried around longer, the stations would be put on lockdown until the murderer was spotted, and considering his assassinations were quite easy this time, he didn’t need any complications.
That was almost too easy! I hope Celestia and Luna are more serious about their security!
The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
He stepped upon his next destination, and he threw on his hood. The busy city streets were crowded with ponies, allowing him to move to the castle without risking detection. The time was turning late, at a nightly time of 8:00 PM.
The guards likely caught wind of the murder, but decided not to say anything to avoid a mass panic. Their mistake.
He advanced towards the castle, making sure his blade was nice and clean for the next couple of kills. He didn’t care much for whether or not they knew it was him, for he could take every guard in the castle if he so chose. The princesses would be a different story though. But, once he becomes the Scourge of Winter, his quest will be complete.
Once he came upon the threshold of the castle, the guards immediately drew their blades at him. “Halt! We know who you are assassin!”
“Shut up and get out of my way. I’m not here for you. Why even call me an assassin?”
“You match the description! Now, submit, or die!”
I guess someone did see me. No matter. “Fools, I may be an Earth Pony, but there is more to me than what you see.” He crossed his hooves, gathering bone-chilling winds. “Maybe you should be the ones to die? I will eliminate all one-dozen of you! Blizzara!” He launched a frost spell that exploded into a torrent of ice and spikes, knocking out all of the guards. “Be lucky I didn’t kill you all outright.”
He took the golden armor from one of the guards and wore them over his robes, to serve as some type of impromptu disguise. He ventured into the castle in search for his targets, and just as he expected, they were seated on their thrones, and looking rather confused at how there was only one guard reporting in.
“Celestia, Luna, Your Highness! We’ve been attacked! The entire post slain!” Ice Breaker cried. “Come quickly!”
When they went back outside, the princesses gained a horrified expression.
Celestia gasped. “By the Sun! Why did this happen?”
“The assassin! He seeks to end your reign! He wore robes, a hooded figure he was!”
“Blast! This means he is among us. Luna, with our number of guards drawn thinner, we would have to repost our guards, with overall weaker defense!”
“Assuming you get the chance to.” He replied blankly.
“Whatever do you mean?”
With a swift movement of his hidden blades, he pierced their throats, instantly killing them. “That’s what I mean.” He retreated into the castle, and marvelled at the empty thrones. “Yes… my quest… within the span of a day, I killed them! All three!”
“Your journey is yet to be finished, for one target yet remains.” A royal voice filled the empty room.
“Frostus?”
“Yes. Here, wear these, as a sign of dominance. You just toppled the royalties of a country.” He gave Ice Breaker Celestia and Luna’s peytrals they once wore around their necks.
He equipped them, and chuckled. “Yes, of course… is Twilight next?”
“Yes, but let her come to you. She will know you did this. Let your true name fill the air, for if not, she may never know. She will bring her companions in a vain attempt to end your reign. I shall make you into the Scourge of Winter now, to prepare for her march. All but one princess remains, and she demands revenge.” Frostus casted an enchanting spell that coated his champion in ice. When the ice shattered, out came a new Ice Breaker, with spiked hair that ran down his back, making him look like a dragon of sorts. His heart completely stopped beating, yet the blood flow never to be stopped. He felt cold, but he preferred it that way. His power surpassed any he’s seen, and now, his reign begins.
He took his seat upon Luna’s throne, and it quickly became coated in Greater Ice. All he could do was smile at his rightful place. He froze the two thrones, then the ice formed into one larger throne, of which he sat upon.
“Oh, yes. Let Twilight come. She, nor her pathetic Super Saiyan friend, will stop me. Their future efforts, will be for naught.”
“Then we shall wait.”
The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
“Twilight!!” Derpibra burst through the door to her library. “Did you hear!?”
“Ahh! How many times do I have to tell you not to burst in like that? You scared me!” She readjusted her reading glasses. “What’s gotten you so pent up? Hey, are you alright?”
He had tears in his eyes. “L-look for yourself…” He tossed over a newspaper to her.
“Hm? Let’s see…
Princesses of Equestria Assassinated!
Celestia, Luna, and Cadence have all been killed. The motivations for such drastic actions are unknown as of late, but many speculate this has happened in cold blood. Eye-witness accounts say the assassin wore white and red hooded robes. Witnesses report that the murderer’s name is El Partador de la Muerte, or ‘The Bringer of Death’ in spanish. However, investigators state it is some form of alias to hide their true identity. However, a blue stallion has been witnessed sitting upon the throne of the late princesses. He is believed to be the assassin, but the name does not match the suspect. His name is Ice Breaker, and oddly he declares himself the new High King of Equestria.”
“That… no way… he…”
“Yes Twilight, he did. He killed my role model… all three of them! And I bet you he’s coming for you too!”
“Why would he do this!?” Twilight began to sob, the crystal tears of sorrow now running down her cheeks. “Why!?”
“I don’t know. But he will PAY!” He exploded in a torrent of magic, his muscle mass increased to his absolute maximum, his hair spikier than ever. “Just like when I fought Magnus, only this time, I won’t run!” He dashed from a nearby window in anger. “ICE BREAKER!!” He shouted as he flew faster than the speed of sound, and for once, he he was now ready to fight for blood.
“Derpi, wait! I have to follow him. Everypony!” She called to her friends. “We’re going to Canterlot! Hurry up! I’ll explain on the way!” Please don’t do anything crazy Derpibra. We lost too many ponies already. If he killed them all in a single day, he’s not to be taken likely at that point.
---
Ice Breaker sat upon the throne with a devilish grin.
“Does the throne meet your preferences, m’lord?” Frostus inquired.
“Yes, quite. I-gah!”
“Something the matter m’lord?”
“Do you not feel that? This power… unusual. That type of energy doesn’t spike around here like that, does it… however, it is approaching, and fast, with many smaller ones as well.”
“Are they a threat?”
“Not to me, but to my loyal subjects.” He chuckled grimly.
Moments later, the amazingly sized castle doors burst down and shattered in hundreds of chips, revealing a blonde haired Bulk Biceps lookalike.
“Derpibra. What an entrance you made.”
“Don’t act smug with me. You know why I’m here.”
“And I’m not surprised.” He jumped down from the throne and landed on the carpet. He stood, giving the blonde zebra an unamused look. “Look at you, ready to fight for a legacy long since ended.”
“The legacy wasn’t meant to end! You killed them, in cold blood!”
“Idiot. You should’ve known some time ago that I had enough motivation to commit such a grievous crime. But see it my way, if they couldn’t protect themselves, then they have no business running a country. Mares never deserved a place in royalty to begin with.”
“You sexist jerk! Why won’t you give mares a chance!?”
“Why won’t I give them a CHANCE you ask!?” His voice screamed royalty. “All of you little ponies are the same! Especially your mares! All they ever did was reject me, and leave me out in the Winter! To freeze, to die! With no one’s hoof at my side! They all treat me the same! My so called ‘friends’, strangers who I wanted to get to know, even my own mother! Always rejecting me, every one of them! Well no more! Now, I’m in charge of what happens with them! And I shall reject their freedoms, starting with you! You won’t live to see your mare another day!!”
That last statement made Derpibra frown, and made him charge at the King relentlessly.
Twilight and her friends galloped into the castle just as the first blows were made. “We’re here!”
“Get back! This fight- oof!” Derpibra was blown back through the doors, and Ice Breaker pursued him quickly. He followed up with a swift ten hit combo before knocking him back into the structure. Derpibra smashed into a wall and coughed up blood. Right before his opponent could attack again, he parried his punch then grabbed him, proceeding to smash him into the floor. Cracks formed in the floor as Derpibra continuously punched Ice Breaker in the floor.
The King had enough of his actions, and kicked him into the ceiling. As Derpibra was stuck into the surface above, Ice Breaker erected a huge spike of ice, and ran Derpibra through his chest with it. Blood dripped onto his face and muzzle, and he smiled at it.
Everyone gasped and started to cry as their late hero fell to the floor below, gagging and coughing as he reverted to his original form.
“...Why… Ice Breaker… I was… the only one… to treat you as… a friend…”
“And why should I care? I have no use for friends! They’re nothing but a fallacy! MY quest is only for power and glory. I achieved my kingdom!”
“No… you didn’t… the princesses did… not you…”
“What? Simply by being born into a caste of royalty!? I fought for my throne, my royalty! They never did! Just like mares with anything! All they do is sit around and earn false rewards and recognition, when stallions are the ones doing everything! We are the hunter-gatherers! The heads of the home, the bread winners! Ever since the history of ponies began, this principle was and still is true! We hunted, we went to war, we died, we sacrificed, while mares sat comfortably in their caves only to complain about how cold it is! By your logic, I no more deserve the throne than your late princesses, but that is not my logic to share. Honor means little to me, only power and influence. And no princess will properly assert that power!”
“T-Twilight… r-run…”
Twilight broke for the door, but she was instantly brought back by a Possession spell. “P-put me down Ice Breaker!”
“Of course, but not in the way you think.”
“Let her go…” Fluttershy cried.
“Shut up, insolent fool! Witness the death of your beloved friend!” He formed another spike in his hoof.
“Stop! Don’t…. Don’t kill me! There’s so much left that I want to do…!”
“Too bad you won’t live to do so!” He shoved the ice cold spike through her chest, causing immense pain and the rapid cooling of her blood. He tossed her aside next to Derpibra.
“A-Applejack…” Derpibra weakly called.
“Sugarcube? You’re still…”
“Not for long… I… just wanted to tell you… I love you… I wanted to have kids one day…. Settle down… and… and…” He gasped as he held back his cries. “And to fulfill my… promise to dad… to be a better father than he was… but… now I can’t… I told him I’ll stay out of trouble… I… should’ve just… stayed in college…”
“I’m so sorry…”
“Don’t be… It isn’t… your fault… just.... Stay alive… I can tell… you’re going… to have… a new destiny…” His breathing slowed. “Before I die…. Let… me tell…. You…. something….”
“Anything.”
“Save… F-Flurry…. Heart……..” His breathing ceased.
“N-no… Sugarcube… Derpi…. Stay with me!!”
“Nothing like a theatrical display of useless emotions right?” Ice Breaker said. “About time he stopped speaking.
“You monster… You’ll pay… one day…” Applejack barely managed to say.
“Perhaps, but not today.” He used magic to sweep them and his two kills outside of his castle.
“Well done m’lord.” Frostus said happily.
“Appreciated. If trash like that keeps coming to my door… hmph, no matter. My work is done, and now I can peacefully enjoy my reign.”
“Indeed. Shall I get the mares to entertain you?”
“It’s all they’re good for besides being wenches. Bring them.”
“Of course.”
I was the only one that treated you like a friend… You didn’t earn the throne…
Ice Breaker dropped the thoughts. “Poor cur’s voices. His cried were enriching.” He chuckled.
Now, with Equestria in my hooves, anything is possible. I, the Scourge of Winter, rule a fair land! If these mares want to act independent, then maybe I can force them to depend on stallions in due time… ah, so many options. Where to start…
The Scourge of Winter - Fallen Empires
With Ice Breaker now on the throne, mares are sure to see a harder time in Equestria. Everyone was struck with loss of their former rulers, and with the militant King on the throne, the once fair country of Equestria seems to have a bleak future.
However, a new hero will rise to claim Equestria back from the demonic villain...
